Public Safety Faces Disruptions Without T Band Repeal, NPSTC Says

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council warned of problems for public safety if the FCC requires T-band licensees vacate the spectrum. “If Congress fails to repeal the T-Band mandate it adopted in 2012, the result is significant disruption to public safety, the likelihood of a failed auction, an unfunded mandate for public safety relocation and unnecessary cost to taxpayers,” NPSTC said in comments in docket 13-42. Comments were due Monday on an NPRM seeking to “take the next statutorily required step to implement” the 2012 spectrum law's mandate for public safety to move off the 470-512 MHz T band (see 2005150053). NPSTC noted its members, “jurisdictions that rely on the T-Band, the GAO, the FCC Chairman, and two major wireless carriers” support repeal. NAB said an auction would almost certainly fail. Consider “seeking preliminary bids or taking other actions to ascertain whether auction of limited spectrum has any chance of covering the costs of relocation of incumbents,” broadcasters said.